23. Ragged Point Ragged Point, in Monterey County about 15 miles north of Hearst Castle, is a southern neighbor of Big Sur, and home to the food, lodgings, great flower-framed views and often-expensive gas at the Ragged Point Inn. Distance: 257 miles More info:  Ragged Point Inn website  Seaside California hotels offering bargain rates (Rosemary McClure / For the Times)